The Ballybane Library Blackbird (An Lon Dubh).

 ‘‘Si hortum in bibliotheca habes, deerit nihil.’’

(If you have a garden in a library, nothing is missing.)

So wrote Cicero.

In keeping with this library philosophy, earlier this spring a blackbird built its nest in the bushes in the grounds of Ballybane Library. The Blackbird and the young chicks did well and have now flown the nest.  Currently on display in Ballybane library is the blackbird's nest, some photographs of the young chick's in their nest and other books and documents about An Lon Dubh, the blackbird.

 It is said that Blackbirds symbolize reincarnation.

Of St.Kevin, an Irish 7th century Saint who loved wildlife, it is said that in the temple of the rock at Glendalough, St.Kevin was praying with his hand outstretched upwards when a blackbird flew down and laid her eggs in his palm. The story goes on to say that the saint remained still for as long as it took for the eggs to hatch and the brood to fly the nest.